QPR’s Harry Redknapp aims to emulate Portsmouth’s great escape

QPR boss Harry Redknapp believes a crucial win could send the Hoops on a similar run to his Portsmouth side in 2006

Harry Redknapp was unveiled as QPR's new manager on Monday Photo: The Sport Review

Harry Redknapp believes Queens Park Rangers can turn around their season with one confidence-boosting victory, with the new Hoops boss hoping to emulate Portsmouth’s great escape.

QPR welcome fellow strugglers Aston Villa to Loftus Road on Saturday with the west London outfit still winless and bottom of the Premier League.

Redknapp successfully led Pompey to safety in 2006 after taking control of the south coast club in a perilous position before going on a nine-game unbeaten run to finish in 17th place.

The QPR manager credits Pedro Mendes’ late winner in a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in March 2006 as the stimulus to their eventual resurgence and subsequent top-flight survival.

And the 65-year-old believes QPR could match Portsmouth’s achievements with an important victory against Villa.

“It is very similar [to my Portsmouth experience],” said Redknapp.

“We were pretty desperate at that time but managed to put a run together. You just need that one result to click you in and give you a bit confidence.

“That particular run [at Portsmouth] started when we played Manchester City at home – we were 1-0 up, they equalised with seven minutes to go and it looked like we would draw at home when we were well cut adrift.

“But in injury time, we scored a winning goal and came in after the game, it was like we won the league or cup, the players were so high.

“We went on a run then of nine games and picked up an unbelievable amount of points and we were out of trouble. It was just that one goal from Pedro Mendes that kick it off.

“We need that now – a win to get us up and running. There’s enough talent here. The attitude of the group is excellent and there are some real good players here.”